Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Bethesda, MD

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping requires more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require heavy equipment and intense labor. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, require construction and machinery expertise.

You can handle some landscaping projects on your own. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. You should hire a professional landscaper for things like a complete yard overhaul, and for smaller projects if you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. A professional can explain the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Bethesda Landscaping Company

Selecting the right landscaping company involves finding one with the right experience that also fits your service needs and budget. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before choosing a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include mowing, mulching, pruning, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest management solutions and tree removal services.

You'll need full-service landscaping if you're planning a full revamp of your yard or want new outdoor elements, such as a fire pit. Full-service companies specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including gardening, landscaping rock projects, and adding hardscapes. They may also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Your landscaper should have the appropriate licenses from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Most contractors also have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. Your provider may have the following certified members on staff:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also have certifications from professional organizations, including the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. These certifications aren't mandatory, but they’re an added bonus. Landscaping contractors normally have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage. Your contractor should be fully bonded and insured. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to confirm coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Make sure you choose a contractor with good customer reviews. You can check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to ensure a company has a good reputation and provides a positive customer experience. Try to avoid companies with largely negative reviews, including ones that frequently mention unreliable customer service, poor project results, or delayed projects.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of your provider's landscaping projects and designs. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Request completed landscape designs similar to your planned project to get a better idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaping contractor about their sustainability practices, such as water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and offer recommendations for sustainable maintenance, such as how to reduce cost, waste, and water consumption. When planting vegetation, the company should choose native area plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Any work they complete shouldn't have an impact on your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare services and prices. Most companies offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. A detailed quote will outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare with other companies and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Bethesda

In Bethesda, you can expect to pay approximately $28–$42 for landscaping, depending on project type and size. Significant yard work like resodding will be more expensive than easier tasks like gardening and mowing. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,615 - $18,154
Landscaping Design	$2,130 - $2,840
Landscaping LandGrading	$426 - $2,557
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $128
Planting FlowerBeds	$85 - $1,705
Planting Trees	$223 - $373
Sodding	$43 - $51
Swimming Pool	$32,393 - $85,244